Bird Watching For Dummies
Product Description
A simple, accessible guide to the art of avian appreciation. A hobby to enrich anyone’s life, bird watching through visuals and song is explained simply and with great enthusiasm. Here’s that rare small-format title on this popular subject that really speaks to adults as well as younger birdwatchers. … More >>
This book is full of erroneous information that will lead the new twitcher astray, promote competition rather than cooperation between birders, and discourage some of the finest moments of birdwatching — those involving sharing new sights and sounds together. I recommend that if you want to watch birds, buy a bird book, a pair of binoculars, and go look at birds. One does not need to spend money on a book to tell you to do that. There are many good bird guides available; my recommendation is the Audubon Society’s Guide to the Birds of North America, or Lars Jonsson’s Birds of Europe and North Africa. Best of luck, and keep your eyes and ears open!
Rating: 1 / 5
This is a general guide for beginners to this hobby,but not exactly what I was looking for.It is ok, but probably not worth the time or money, there are lots of better books out there about this hobby.
Rating: 3 / 5
This is one of the very few “For Dummies” books that I don’t regret purchasing. It covers all the basics and was what gave me my start into bird watching and birding.
Rating: 5 / 5
One problem with buying books online is that loss of the chance to flip through and check the contents. Good book, just not exactly what I was looking for.
Rating: 4 / 5
Bill Thompson has written an absolutely splendid guide for the person who knows little about birds except what they see out the window or left on the hood of their car. The book is basic enough that the neophyte can start from zero and work their way up, but organized in a way that an “intermediate” can find real value too. I’m not a hard core birder so I can’t speak to how one might view the book.
The text is easily readable, not boring and zips along with more than the occasional joke, witticism or bad pun. Truly, the humor is well placed and Thompson writes in a semi-self deprecatory manner that is refreshing for an expert in any field.
What I liked most was the practical aspect of helping someone start from scratch in attracting birds to their yard through choices of feeds, plantings, open spaces and other ideas. I’m convinced that if you want to attract birds this book will help you do so. A bonus was the color section of high quality photographs of Thompson’s favorite birds.
The book even had a nice little section on birding ettiquette for the unititiated who might find themselves in company with veterans. Always good to know what to say or not.
With the possible exception of bird haters, I think almost anyone would enjoy this book. Well, maybe not Tippy Hedrin.
Rating: 5 / 5